NRL needs to be more proactive in the pacific

[cumbrian Mackem]

In developing the game of RL via creating pathways for young athletes in countries like the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and New Caledonian etc similar to that of PNG with the hunters and Fiji with the silktails.

Although these countries offer nothing and will never offer anything financially in terms of TV dollars what they do offer in abundance is the potential to provide the NRL with supremely talented athletes that light up the competition driving up stadium attendances, TV viewing figures, social media interest and corporate sponsorship etc.

So in short it’s Time for the NRL to think big and develop a long term plan to shore up the pacific region before rugby Union does.

 

[Perth Red]

haha, Vlandys has just agreed to abandon the mid season pacific tests that Smith brought in which were the perfect showcase for growing interest in the game in the islands! The game had a PI strategy, not sure it does anymore? Certainly no mention of it in the strat plan.

NRL launches Pacific Strategy

The NRL has launched its Pacific Strategy aimed at strengthening Rugby League and building stronger business and community ties in the Pacific Islands.

www.nrl.com

NRL's Pacific Strategy grows in Samoa

The successful Pacific Outreach Program is influencing the lives of children across PNG, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga through the teaching of respect and health.

www.nrl.com

Only thing I've heard from the current regime is about trying to get many millions out of the feds last year for rugby league in PI schools, but as nothing more was said I guess it didnt happen?

What do you mean 'before' RU does? Union has had development pathways and things like Fiji famous in the sevens for years and has just brought a PI team into the top tier comp.

Sounds a good idea but unless you invest significantly in marketing, NRL exposure, test matches participation programs and elite pathways then its not happening. Probably most of the NRL talent from the PI's has come out of NZ or heritage born in Australia Id suggest. How many Jnrs have actually come out of a PI system?

 

[cumbrian Mackem]

haha, Vlandys has just agreed to abandon the mid season pacific tests that Smith brought in which were the perfect showcase for growing interest in the game in the islands! The game had a PI strategy, not sure it does anymore? Certainly no mention of it in the strat plan.

NRL launches Pacific Strategy

The NRL has launched its Pacific Strategy aimed at strengthening Rugby League and building stronger business and community ties in the Pacific Islands.

www.nrl.com

NRL's Pacific Strategy grows in Samoa

The successful Pacific Outreach Program is influencing the lives of children across PNG, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga through the teaching of respect and health.

www.nrl.com

What do you mean 'before' RU does? Union has had development pathways and things like Fiji famous in the sevens for years and has just brought a PI team into the top tier comp.

Sounds a good idea but unless you invest significantly in marketing, NRL exposure, test matches participation programs and elite pathways then its not happening. Probably most of the NRL talent from the PI's has come out of NZ or heritage born in Australia Id suggest. How many Jnrs have actually come out of a PI system?

I’m talking more specifically about places like the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia where rugby union isn’t the dominant code yet.